Sustainable Community Infrastructure

It is critical to invest in the things that support a community and give them a sense of belonging and pride. By investing in places people can meet, such as halls, museums or theatres, we create opportunities for people to come together. Sharing knowledge, experiences and learning more about the history and culture of where they live, creates social capital for stronger communities.

Program in Action: Old hall, new spark

New switchbox and wiring made the Tintenbar hall safe for all user groups.

The Tintenbar School of Arts, just north of Ballina in NSW, is the only community facility in the area, serving some 4,000 residents. It’s used regularly by the local Red Cross, playgroup, Landcare, sporting groups and the Tintenbar Community Aid Network, which supports elderly and disabled residents.

The community-owned hall, which has been in use since 1905, was showing its age. Thanks to determined fundraising efforts, local volunteers have restored the hall over the last 12 years. All that remained to be done was new wiring, lighting and switches, a new power box, and new locks to make it all secure.

Sheila Aveling, Hall Secretary, explained that the grant complemented their ‘pledge a plank’ fundraising campaign, and meant that the outstanding improvements could be made.

“Our small committee has worked extremely hard to renovate and restore our Hall from a state of near collapse ten years ago, to a very desirable place to hold functions. We now have very happy user groups. Without the support of foundations like yourself, small communities find it extremely hard to keep facilities like old community halls in operation.”

Hover over the panels below to read four Grants in Brief.

Community garden grows community change

Dunalley in Tasmania, was hit by bushfires and consequently the community garden fell into disrepair. Thanks to a $14,966 grant funded by John T. Reid Charitable Trusts and FRRR, the community rejuvenated the garden and now hold workshops for locals to encourage adoption of environmentally sustainable practices at home.

Transforming the heart of Swanpool

Through FRRR’s CATCH program, an $18,400 grant was used by the community of Swanpool, to purchase a portable sound and lighting system and artwork for the local shelter. A number of events have since taken place attracting visitors to the township. This initiative was funded by the Ledger Charitable Trust managed by Perpetual.

Drama-TIC change

After 15 years without them, the Nambucca Entertainment Centre in NSW has refurbished dressing rooms and working showers. Thanks to a $2,200 Small Grant funded by the Bertalli Family Foundation, the 30 community groups that use the building can be confident the facilities are safe and hygienic.

Gurrumala community development project

In 2002, Gurrumala, a remote indigenous community, had no school, little accommodation, no gardens, no employment and limited power. Today, with an FRRR Donation Account and the joint efforts of Latrobe University, The Rotary Club of Melbourne, volunteers and funding from several philanthropic trusts, it now has these facilities and more.